3 kids die in Bulacan fire

CAMP ALEJO SANTOS, Philippines — Three children died in a fire that gutted their house in Calumpit, Bulacan on Wednesday night.

Initial investigation showed the fatalities – aged one, three and six years – were asleep when the fire gutted their house in Barangay Gatbuca shortly before midnight, according to Col. Franklin Estoro, acting Bulacan police director.

The fire was reportedly caused by an unattended candle.

Probers said a power interruption occurred in the barangay, prompting the mother of the victims to light a candle.

The woman reportedly went out to buy milk and found the house burning upon her return.

Responding village officials and firefighters failed to save the children.